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The Tampa Bay Lightning got an unexpected surprise when captain Steve Stamkos was declared fit to play in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Stamkos, one of the NHL’s elite goal scorers, hasn’t played since March 31, having missed Tampa Bay’s final five regular-season games and all 16 playoff games with severe blood clots. Stamkos underwent surgery to have a rib removed to remedy the situation on April 4.

Stamkos' surgeon, Karl Illig, told the Times, his risks are "very, very low," decision up to Stamkos. "I think he's doing the right thing."

It’s unclear if Stamkos will be in top form, but his presence alone is a huge emotional lift for the Lightning, who look to win Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final on the road for the second straight year. In his career against the Penguins, he's tallied 34 points in 31 games, while he's notched 15 goals and 20 assists in 48 playoff games.